PAGAN HOLIDAYS, 101
For those of you who are new to the Wiccan and/or the pagan way, holidays can be confusing because most of us have been brought up to enjoy the traditional Christian holidays. And of course there is nothing wrong with Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving. But for the pagan path, there are other holidays that we can enjoy and celebrate in our own way. Here is a brief summary of the pagan holidays and how to enjoy them too!
Since "our" new year runs October 31st - October 30th, we shall begin with Samhain (Halloween!) its most basic meaning is the third and final harvest of the year which is the end of summer. On this magical night, space and time are temporarily suspended while the veil between the seen and unseen worlds are lifted. Communicating with the dead and communing with the living is old time ritual including lighting candles for the dead, festivities that include magic and fun, fall food feasts, the winter gathering harvest, and seance magick.
Yule is our next holiday, near the December 23rd mark. Known as 'solstice night' or longest day of the year, Yule was traditionally celebrated by adorning then burning/smoldering a log found in nature or received as a gift for 12 days and used for rejoicing, introspect, and future planning.
Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st as first stirrings of spring. It is the festival of the maiden to prepare for growth and renewal. Wearing a crown of candles in ritual symbolizes the return of the Goddess, which may forefront an empowerment ritual.
Ostara is celebrated on March 21st, the spring equinox, and with light on the increase, pagans celebrate balance, marriage, and fertility. Some symbols at the time were an egg and a rabbit which has been adopted by Christian beliefs for Easter.
Beltane occurs on May 1st and is one of 8 solar sabbats. Typical festivities at this time include spring time fun such as May pole dancing, sexuality, celebrating the sun, gathering flowers and harvesting herbs.
Litha is on June 21st, the summer solstice, is all about light and life! Dusk rituals are not uncommon which include indulging in juicy fruits, wine, love magick, and garden fresh vegetables dishes.
On August 1st we celebrate Lughnasadh, the first harvest of the year, summer soon comes
to an end and it is a time for gathering... Fruits, nuts, gratitude, and ideas.
Mabon, the autumn equinox, is the 2nd harvest and takes place on September 21st. We pay our respects to the coming dark days and long nights of winter ahead, while dining and feasting with friends.
I understand that in today's world, a modern-day pagan may celebrate these holidays very differently then back in the old days and that's totally relevant! I use all of the pagan holidays universally for pretty much all of the same reasons, to celebrate the change of seasons, induce gratitude, to tap into ritual during strong tides, sun and moon phases, and energetic cycles. Appreciating what you have, and creating what you need are good goals to have during these holidays, all while honoring the "old ways." Bringing joy and comfort to yourself and those around you using nature, nuture, nutrition, and creativity is the basis of all celebrations. :)
Blessed Be, Lady Shadowe
Since "our" new year runs October 31st - October 30th, we shall begin with Samhain (Halloween!) its most basic meaning is the third and final harvest of the year which is the end of summer. On this magical night, space and time are temporarily suspended while the veil between the seen and unseen worlds are lifted. Communicating with the dead and communing with the living is old time ritual including lighting candles for the dead, festivities that include magic and fun, fall food feasts, the winter gathering harvest, and seance magick.
Yule is our next holiday, near the December 23rd mark. Known as 'solstice night' or longest day of the year, Yule was traditionally celebrated by adorning then burning/smoldering a log found in nature or received as a gift for 12 days and used for rejoicing, introspect, and future planning.
Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st as first stirrings of spring. It is the festival of the maiden to prepare for growth and renewal. Wearing a crown of candles in ritual symbolizes the return of the Goddess, which may forefront an empowerment ritual.
Ostara is celebrated on March 21st, the spring equinox, and with light on the increase, pagans celebrate balance, marriage, and fertility. Some symbols at the time were an egg and a rabbit which has been adopted by Christian beliefs for Easter.
Beltane occurs on May 1st and is one of 8 solar sabbats. Typical festivities at this time include spring time fun such as May pole dancing, sexuality, celebrating the sun, gathering flowers and harvesting herbs.
Litha is on June 21st, the summer solstice, is all about light and life! Dusk rituals are not uncommon which include indulging in juicy fruits, wine, love magick, and garden fresh vegetables dishes.
On August 1st we celebrate Lughnasadh, the first harvest of the year, summer soon comes
to an end and it is a time for gathering... Fruits, nuts, gratitude, and ideas.
Mabon, the autumn equinox, is the 2nd harvest and takes place on September 21st. We pay our respects to the coming dark days and long nights of winter ahead, while dining and feasting with friends.
I understand that in today's world, a modern-day pagan may celebrate these holidays very differently then back in the old days and that's totally relevant! I use all of the pagan holidays universally for pretty much all of the same reasons, to celebrate the change of seasons, induce gratitude, to tap into ritual during strong tides, sun and moon phases, and energetic cycles. Appreciating what you have, and creating what you need are good goals to have during these holidays, all while honoring the "old ways." Bringing joy and comfort to yourself and those around you using nature, nuture, nutrition, and creativity is the basis of all celebrations. :)
Blessed Be, Lady Shadowe
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